Best Godzilla Movies (Updated: September 2025)

Navigating through the Godzilla film series can be quite challenging given its extensive collection of 38 films. Not every movie in this series was a success or even available in English, so if you’re planning to explore the franchise for the first time, it might be helpful to have some guidance. Luckily, there’s a nice blend of classic and contemporary movies that you can dive into without any prior preparation.

Best Godzilla movies as of 2025

Ever since the debut of Godzilla in 1954, there have been 32 Japanese and 5 American films featuring the colossal lizard (and his fellow monsters). The original movie served as an anti-war statement, addressing the topic of nuclear warfare. It stands out as a classic within the monster genre, although not all Godzilla films enjoy this distinction. Our selection offers a sample of some top-notch movies spanning different periods in the franchise’s history, allowing you to witness its evolution over time.

Godzilla (1954)

The classic film “Gojira,” or original Godzilla, remains relevant and is often hailed as a cinematic masterpiece. When ships mysteriously disappear and coastal areas in Japan are attacked, the culprit is eventually unveiled – a monstrous creature that rises from the sea. Having been mutated due to nuclear testing, Godzilla brings destruction upon Tokyo. The narrative revolves around a scientist who devises a weapon capable of vanquishing this beast, but using such power could lead to more devastation if misused. With its roots deeply tied to the aftermath of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Godzilla serves as both an entertaining monster movie and a profound anti-war message.

The movie, in its entirety, conveys an overwhelming feeling of desolation that’s challenging to articulate. It stands apart from contemporary blockbusters saturated with CGI effects. Some elements, like the large dinosaur costume, might appear outdated or even comical by today’s standards. Nevertheless, the film retains a melancholic tone, likely due to its connection to World War II. Despite its distinct 1950s film aesthetic, there are far too many poignant images to ignore. The post-disaster scenes are particularly moving, with one scene featuring a mother comforting her child while saying, “We’ll be joining your father soon,” which is incredibly harsh. This movie could arguably be considered the best Godzilla film, representing a cinematic masterpiece that bridges the gap between classic monster films, such as Creature of the Black Lagoon or Night of the Living Dead, and influential post-WWII movies directed by renowned filmmakers like Kon Ichikawa and Akira Kurosawa. If you haven’t seen this movie yet, I strongly recommend you don’t miss it.

The Return of Godzilla (1984)

As a dedicated cinema enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on “Godzilla’s Revival” marking a nearly flawless beginning of the Heisei period. For those who might be puzzled by the label “Godzilla era” seemingly conflicting with actual imperial reign dates, it’s simply a convenient term used among fans and critics. Technically, Emperor Shōwa reigned until 1989, but let’s not get too caught up in historical details. After all, we’re here to discuss the magnificent creature that is Godzilla!

Under the guidance of director Kōji Hashimoto, The Return of Godzilla rejuvenates the movie franchise which had been inactive for close to a decade. This film serves as a follow-up directly to the original 1954 Godzilla, with the titular monster resurfacing from a volcano, more lethal than ever before. As Godzilla advances towards Japan, a chain of assaults ignites tensions between Cold War adversaries, leading each power – the United States and the Soviet Union – to suspect the other of misconduct. It’s later revealed that it is indeed Godzilla responsible for the attacks, prompting both nations to take decisive action against the beast, even if this means employing nuclear weapons.

In the heart of the Cold War, a movie unfolds where the strife among nations intensifies, and a scientist who lost his parents in an earlier catastrophe finds himself needing to devise a method to annihilate a monstrous creature, preventing Japan from being hit by nuclear devastation again. The film masterfully captures the tense atmosphere of the era. It manages to blend gravity with entertainment effectively, offering a dash of dry humor and a distinctively somber 1980s ambiance throughout. Another gem in the Godzilla series, this film is highly recommended for viewing.

Godzilla (2014)

Ten years since last gracing the big screen, Godzilla (2014) boldly asserts that the 1998 remake was just a dream. It instead reacquaints us with the legendary King of the Monsters, igniting what is now referred to as the “MonsterVerse”. This epic universe is a collaboration between Toho, Warner Bros., and Legendary Pictures, showcasing iconic monsters from their stable. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the movie begins in Japan, where an enigmatic nuclear power plant meltdown shatters a family apart. As time passes, the now-grown son (portrayed by Aaron Taylor-Johnson) journeys back to Japan, seeking answers following his father’s (Bryan Cranston) detention within a quarantined zone. From there, the story takes an exhilarating turn.

This movie, without a doubt, should have had superior sequels compared to what was produced. It started off powerfully, but the subsequent ones fell short, at best being average. The rhythm of the story is well-balanced, and its visual effects and designs are commendable. It also manages to honor earlier films while crafting a narrative that focuses on character development. Moreover, it gives Godzilla a new dimension beyond just a predator fed by radiation. In this film, Godzilla is portrayed as a creature that doesn’t deserve its fate, struggling to survive. However, the movie also conveys an important moral message that has been echoed since the Trinity tests, urging humanity to reflect upon its actions.

Shin Godzilla (2016)

We’ve listed the most grim situation first, but don’t mistake grimmest for dull – it’s quite the opposite! This is a satirical take on Japan’s government’s slow reaction to the calamitous events of 2011, specifically the earthquake, tsunami, and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Intrigued? Let’s dive into the commentary!

The film opens with the Japanese Coast Guard examining an abandoned yacht in Tokyo Bay. Unexpectedly and ominously, the vessel explodes, causing the nearby Aqua Line to fill with blood. It isn’t long before authorities discover the gruesome scene’s origins as a bizarre, rapidly evolving creature emerges, wreaking havoc. Government officials struggle to respond due to red tape, while the U.S. warns of nuclear attacks if the menace isn’t addressed. With the fate of Japan hanging in the balance, it falls upon a team of unconventional scientists and bureaucrats operating outside the system to find a solution.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’ve got to say that Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi’s masterful direction in Shin Godzilla was nothing short of extraordinary! Penned by the brilliant mind of Anno himself, this cinematic marvel was hailed as a triumph in Japan, though it stirred up a bit of controversy in the West.

Now, some critics might argue that there’s a fair amount of dialogue and political maneuvering – more words than action, if you will. But let me tell you, if ever there was a situation that warranted lengthy discussions among the highest echelons of power, it’s certainly when Godzilla rears its prehistoric head!

All in all, Shin Godzilla doesn’t just pay tribute to the classic 1954 film; it seamlessly propels the legendary monster into a new era with grace and finesse. It’s a must-watch for any Godzilla fan!

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say it goes like this: Takashi Yamazaki penned and helmed the film titled “Godzilla Minus One,” which hit theaters post-“Shin Godzilla.” The plot unfolds in 1945, towards the tail end of World War II, focusing on kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima (portrayed by Ryunosuke Kamiki). In a ruse for repairs, his aircraft lands on Odo Island. That very night, Godzilla unleashes havoc on the garrison, leaving Shikishima stunned and unconscious. He miraculously endures and wakes up in a Tokyo ravaged by nuclear fallout, gripped by survivor’s remorse. With no army left to safeguard the populace and a crippled nation struggling to stand tall, ordinary citizens are compelled to take on an imposing, radiation-altered monster that threatens to obliterate what little remains of a Japan left scarred by war – now just a shadow of its former self.

Among the top-performing Godzilla films to date, “Godzilla Minus One” stands out with an exceptional 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest-grossing Japanese Godzilla film ever produced. In essence, this movie deviates from conventional monster movies and delves into a more somber World War II-era disaster genre, where Godzilla serves as a metaphor for something far greater than a mutated dinosaur. The film’s primary focus, however, is not on the monster itself, but on Shikishima, a tormented pilot struggling to cope with yet another calamity after losing all he cherishes dearly. Although unquestionably a kaiju movie, it also offers profound insights into the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Japanese people, showcasing their capacity to persevere through adversity. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Minami Hamabe, Yuki Yamada, Munetaka Aoki, Sakura Ando, Hidetaka Yoshioka, and Kuranosuke Sasaki. A sequel is currently in production under the direction of Yamazaki.

How we chose the best Godzilla movies

Just like any top list, preferences can vary. However, we aimed to select the most remarkable film from each significant period, even though the Millennium era didn’t quite fit the criteria. Regardless, these selections have left an indelible impact on cinema and filmmaking, while upholding the traditions of the monster genre and political discourse that originated in Godzilla (1954).

2025-09-13 06:29